Selecting a single or a very few notes is not labor effective when you can create them on the spot for equal or less effort.
I've never had to use "paste special". Select one or more measures. use control C to copy. Highlight where you want the measure replicated and type control V. If necessary, "deselect", or highlight another measure and type control V for each additional measure needed. Copying measures is efficient. Copying and pasting chord groups will sometimes work, but is not as predictable. "Paste Special" just does not apply here.